GWENDA BOND

Book News!

I'm so thrilled to be able to tell you guys that there will be more Cirque American--I got this news right at the end of the year, which made this both the best way to end 2014 and begin 2015. The Publishers Marketplace announcement:

GIRL ON A WIRE author Gwenda Bond's next Cirque American novel, in which a teen would-be magician auditions for the Cirque against the wishes of her famous magician father, and finds that perhaps there is more to her talent than she ever expected, again to Courtney Miller at Skyscape, for publication in Summer 2016, by Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

Just as Girl on a Wire allowed me to geek out about all things circus (my favorite) and wire-walking, this will allow me to continue to do that and also geek out about magic. Which is one of my favorite, favorite things. As much as I love it, though, it's undeniably a field where women get pushed off to the side, all too often The Lovely Assistant sharing in little of the actual spotlight. Well, the heroine of this book is no one's lovely assistant, and I can't wait to introduce you guys to her and some new characters. And, yes, although there will be a new central character, and a new mystery, the cast from Girl on a Wire will be there too--there will be more of Jules and Remy, Dita, and of course the Cirque itself. The working title of the book is Abracadabra Girl, but that may well change.

Also! Girl on a Wire is a Kindle Daily Deal today and you can snag it for $1.99!

One other little newsy item--the rights to Blackwood and The Woken Gods officially reverted to me at the end of the year (thank you for that, Angry Robot). So you can't presently get e-book editions of them anymore, though I'm sure used print copies are available and my local indie bookstores still have a stockpile on hand. Blackwood will probably return at some point this year. But I'm likely going to hang on to The Woken Gods until I can maybe tweak it a bit and write you a sequel; it may be a long while before I have time, but that's what I hope to do.

And that's it. I hope y'all are excited to return to the Cirque!

Pre-Holidaze Update

Um, oops, sorry to disappear, though I can't pretend it's going to get better soon. Deadline swarm happening. But I have hatched definite plans to really and truly finally overhaul my website for early spring (in time for Lois launch madness!) and I'm sure the result will be so awesome that I'll update constantly (or at least more consistently).

And there are things afoot. SECRET THINGS of which I can say no more at present.

But there are also non-secret things, of course, though I can barely remember what I've posted here and what I haven't, but here are a few things just in case:

• I did an interview about Girl on a Wire and e-books and things with the Kids Ebook Bestsellers site;
• There have been some recent Girl reviews that made me glow too: from Mieneke at A Fantastical Librarian ("I loved Girl on a Wire and with her third novel Gwenda Bond has firmly landed on my must-read author list. If you enjoy fast-paced, fun YA with a dash of mystery and romance then do pick up Girl on a Wire, as it offers this in spades."); from Lisa at Lisa Loves Literature ("I loved this story."); and from the Book Feed ("This story is truly a modern day Romeo and Juliet retelling at its finest. ... The way Gwenda told the story not only kept me interested, but completely hooked me, so that I couldn't put the book down."). Thanks to EVERYONE who's read the book and reviewed it and recommended it to others. It means the world.
• And, as always, if you so desire, you can get signed copies of my books for the holidays (or whenever!) from Joseph-Beth Booksellers and Morris Book Shop in Lexington, Ky. And if you've been delaying getting copies of my first two books, especially in print, you might want to get on that this month. (Which is all I can say about that for now.)

And I will end with these lovely tweets that made my last week from Tim Hanley, who wrote Wonder Woman Unbound: The Curious History of the World's Most Famous Heroine:

I got an early copy of @Gwenda's Lois Lane: Fallout and read it in one sitting today. It's ridiculously good and captures Lois so well.

— Tim Hanley (@timhanley01) December 6, 2014

It's not out until May, so be sure to mark your calendars. You'll be hearing lots about it, though; I think it's going to be a hit.

— Tim Hanley (@timhanley01) December 6, 2014

*beams* *crosses fingers* *and toes*

Seriously, I still can't believe I get to write Lois Lane and anytime a Lois fan enjoys the book, it makes me the happiest girl in the world. Pre-order links here!

More soon...ish. In the meantime, happy holidays, everyone. I hope you get to spend them festiving or lazing, whichever is your preference. (I will be spending mine writing, as usual.)

Miscellaneous Hijinks and Upcoming Event

Ah, World Fantasy was such fun -- so many of my favorite people in one place. While the usual woes of not getting to meet/see everyone All The Time exists, I got to spend a happy-making number of hours hiding out and gabbing with dear friends. Yay.

Also, writing Catwoman has changed my dear Genevieve... Here she is stealing my earring at the mass signing:

A #DCLadies pic with @Gwenda at WFC: "Writing #Catwoman has changed Genevieve." (Sorry, Lois!) http://t.co/1HpxvUKMct pic.twitter.com/9wRYm45I4s

— Genevieve Valentine (@GLValentine) November 10, 2014

We had two fabulous meals at Jaleo, both of which required sampling of the featured cocktail -- the Mascieta, a concoction of brandy, lemon, saffron syrup, muddled plum wedges and egg white that instantly transports the drinker to the 1930s, specifically The Thin Man movies.

The second time it was so good that we promptly came back and bid on these fabulous papercut pieces by the amazing Kathleen Jennings in the art show. And we won them. Yip!

I regret nothing.

Upcoming event! I'll be at the Kentucky Book Fair this Saturday. Come get a copy of Girl on a Wire, which I will scribble in. They make excellent x-mas presents. (As always, if you're far away or can't make the event, you can get signed copies from Morris Book Shop and Joseph-Beth Booksellers, and I'm happy to stop in and personalize 'em.) I'll be on Curtains @ 8 on WUKY tonight, along with some other authors who'll be at the book fair.

And I have some news, which I cannot talk about yet but yay:

Just signed, scanned and sent back to @literaticat the contract for a new book. *wriggles* *rolls up sleeves* *starts outlining* #yayyyy

— Gwenda Bond (@Gwenda) November 11, 2014

Last but not least, the wonderful Catherine McKenzie (have you read Hidden? soooo good) named Girl on a Wire one of "5 Great Reads for Your Book Club" over at the Huffington Post recently: "To paraphrase The Princess Bride, there's mystery, wire walking, trapezes, fights and a great kiss. Highly recommended for YA focused book clubs, particularly." *beams*

Is This Thing On? And World Fantasy Schedule!

Hello, my darlings! I'm sorry to have vanished, but between launch month for Girl on a Wire and doing Lois edits (turned in Friday!) the month got away from me. First though, I want to say thank you to everyone who has read, bought, checked out from the library, reviewed or told someone about the circus book of my heart. If you haven't yet, well, there's no time like the present. *bats eyelashes* Especially after watching that Nik Wallenda city walk over Chicago. Wasn't that something? Thrilling.

It's been so long since I updated here, I've forgotten what I have and haven't mentioned, and I know I've missed a bunch of stuff too. So a rundown of a few things and info on what I'm doing at World Fantasy this coming weekend.

Girl things:

• Many thanks to the amazing Bianca Spriggs for including Girl on a Wire in her round-up for the Chevy Chaser of 10 Kentucky books from this year.
• At Intellectual Recreation, Readings on a Theme: Inspired by the Classics featuring Girl and several other fascinating-looking books, in which Girl is "the least obvious retelling of the bunch" and "full of mystery and the romance of the circus." *beams*
• I was delighted the book was included in the indefatigable Kelly Jensen's round-up of October through December (and a few early 2015) YA titles at Book Riot.
• Beth Revis, who was an invaluable crit partner on the very first draft of Girl on a Wire, featured it as one of her favorite fall reads this year for a fun giveaway and interview series about fall; you can see what she has to say and read my answers about my favorite fall reading and et cetera at her blog. Then read about all the other books, including Beth's latest, which you should get, stat.
• A shout-out to my former high school, since they gave me a shout-out on their FB page. Little did I see this coming back during my formative trouble-making days. ;-)

There have been a couple of really wonderful early reader reviews of Lois Lane: Fallout over at Tumblr, both thorough but not in the least spoilery:

• Here's the first from Maya; snippet: "Fallout exceeds everything I hoped it would be. Bond has captured Lois’s voice, infusing her with the Lois Lanes who have come before yet creating a fresh character with her own purpose."
• And here's another at Godzylla's Head; snippet: "It’s extremely nuanced, for all that it moves at a swift pace and is a fast read -- because you simply do not want to put it down once you’ve started it. Once you have finished it, you’re hungry for more. Best of all, this book is for everyone -- long-time Lois Lane fans and someone who may never have heard of her. It’s engaging, smart, and fun."

I'm reading instead of paneling at World Fantasy, early Thursday evening -- I can promise a little circus, a little Lois, and if there's time maybe a snippet of something else Christopher Rowe will pitch in a voice for. We'll see! Here's the details:

Reading: Gwenda Bond

Time: 5:30pm-6pm, Nov. 6, Fairfax

If you'll be there, you should come. I'll probably give away a copy of Girl, and I'll be happy to see you.

Antics & Etc

Deadlineville here, so mostly this is a quick wave, but a couple of fun things from the weekend.

I was at the Books by the Banks festival Saturday, where I met many fabulous readers and other writers and got to catch up with some old friends. Many thanks to the excellent Joseph-Beth Booksellers, festival staff and the great volunteers. Also! There was a Teen Scene event with the local circus school and I got to do this:

 

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I wire-walked!

View on Instagram

Thanks to those who assisted me, both in staying upright and in grabbing the video and some photos. (Yes, I'm using Instagram a lot more now that I have a  phone that will, um, use the app without crashing.)

Annnd there was this, which made my yesterday:

Oh my gosh, first two reader reviews of the Lois Lane book--so happy-making (esp as I'm doing the spiffity pass). <3 pic.twitter.com/3L3R2dd0xL

— Ghostly Gwenda BOOnd (@Gwenda) October 12, 2014

 

*beam* And now back to work on said pass! If you're going to the Kentucky Reading Association conference, I'll see you there on Friday.

Things That Are Free (Contest Winner + Books By The Banks + A Tip For NYCC Goers)

Three things:

Thing the First) Thanks to all of you who entered the YASH bonus contest and the winner is... ::drumroll::

Melissa R., who I've already contacted. Yay. Hope you enjoy the book and that some of the rest of y'all check it out too.

Thing the Second) I'll be at Books by the Banks this Saturday in Cincinnati. Admission is free, but there will be copies of Girl on a Wire (and lots of other books) on sale from the divine Joseph-Beth Booksellers and I'll happily scribble in one for you. Or just come by and say hi.

I'll also be doing “Speed Dating” as part of the festival's Teen Scene at 11 a.m. -- the participating authors are: Gwenda Bond, Mindee Arnett, Kristen Simmons, Katherine Howe, Laura Bickle, Jennifer McGowan.

I'm sure you can find much more about all of this on the festival's website.

Thing the Third) I am not at NYCC, because see Thing the Second. But if you are, then here's a little tip. Come closer... Closer...

Psst ---> RT @SwitchPressPub Hint: you may be able to pick up a #LoisLane Fallout ARC today at @NY_Comic_Con #nycc

— Ghostly Gwenda BOOnd (@Gwenda) October 9, 2014

And now I will give the usual neurotic writer caveat that the most fun part of getting an ARC will be that you can read it and the final version, which I'm working on right now. But you know you still want it. (I hope! Because sneak peek! And much will remain the same. I refer you to the "neurotic writer" modifier. ;-) (Also: I believe the locale for this score is D1 in the Artist's Alley.)

Have a great weekend, everyone! And remember, if you need reading material: I have this new book out and so *bats eyelashes*. Whenever a copy is purchased, a puppy smiles. That's just science.

A Few Things!

If you're here for the #YASH, post is right below this one or click here.

A few very nice things. Girl on a Wire is on some lists for October books:

• "Top Picks for Science Fiction and Fantasy Reads in October" by John DeNardo over at Kirkus;
• "This Is One Of The Best Months Ever For Science Fiction & Fantasy Books" by Charlie Jane Anders over at io9 (*waves to friends on this one too*);
• In the weekly Book Riot New Books! newsletter put together by bookselling legend and basic rockstar Liberty Hardy;
• And last but not least "39 Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Books To Pick Up In October" by Andrew Liptak over at Buzzfeed.

*beams*

Also, there are new interviews/media things:

• I was honored to be interviewed by Bianca Spriggs (an awesome poet and literary superstar) for the Carnegie Center blog about Girl on a Wire and process and the publishing biz and etc. You can also read Girl's prologue there. (And you can read a deleted scene that used to take place right after it here as part of the YASH.)
• And I was also honored to be featured in the Lexington Herald-Leader Weekender in an article by the wonderful Mary Meehan (and on the cover too). I may never live down this headline, but so flattered and I'd probably better just show you...

Speaking of which, it says you should come to the launch party at the Morris Book Shop tomorrow at 5:30 and get signed books and eat cake and watch circus performances and have SO MUCH FUN. And you should. Look at that window:

If you want signed copies, the best way to get them is to call Morris Book Shop before tomorrow night or contact Joseph-Beth Booksellers Lexington store (where Christopher works, so he can get me to sign 'em and they'll ship for a small fee) (I love both our bookstores! our booksy riches runneth over).

Have a great weekend!

YA Scavenger Hunt Is Afoot! (Plus: Mega-Bonus Contest)

Welcome to this stop of the YA Scavenger Hunt extravaganza!

I'm Gwenda Bond *wave* and my stop on the hunt is being hosted by my wonderful agent sister Paula Stokes, where you can take a gander at a deleted scene from Girl on a Wire (it's from early on the book, so shouldn't spoil things if you haven't read it yet and it's where Jules actually convinces her dad to go to the Cirque, plus there's pie).

If you're new to the hunt, this tri-annual event was first organized by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors...and a chance to win some awesome prizes! At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize--one lucky winner will receive one signed book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!

Go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are SIX contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or both! (Go for two, three, or all! These are pretty amazing prize packages we're talking about here.) I'm a part of the BLUE TEAM--but there are also five other teams with a chance to win a whole different set of signed books.

If you'd like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt homepage. (And an extra round of *applause* for organizers extraordinaire Colleen Houck and Beth Revis.)

 

It's ALIVE! Girl Release Day!

*pops out of a cake*

Why, hello there. So unofficial e-release was last month, but now GIRL ON A WIRE is officially a book!

My third, which is a little boggling. I'm so so grateful to anyone who's picked up one of my books, and I very much hope you'll pick up this one too. I know we're not supposed to have favorites, but this is mine of my books so far.

Here are some handy ordering links, if you don't need the rest of this and just want to go. get. the. book:

Girl on a Wire
by Gwenda Bond
Skyscape - Oct. 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1477847824

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound | Powells

The audio book is also out today and if you have the e-book, you can whisper-sync it up. The hardcover and the paperback are both gorgeous. (Also, it's currently still in the top 25 overall on Kindle and #2 in Teen -- not too shabby for release day! ACK. All the love to my Skyscape team and y'all. <333)

OTHER THINGS you might want to gander:

• I did a Big Idea post about where this book came from over at the inimitable Scalzi's, in which I confess that I actually loathe the romance in Romeo & Juliet among other things;
• I also did a newsletter, which you can read online, and which has details on getting signed books (Morris Book Shop or Joseph-Beth Booksellers can hook you up), the big launch party on SATURDAY at Morris Book Shop (be there! FB RSVPs encouraged for toast-estimating!), and etc. etc. There will be a side contest running here starting tomorrow as part of the YA Scavenger Hunt and you can get the dirt on that too, plus some other updates.

Need convincing on the party (or the beateousness of the finished copies), look at this:

We are so proud of our friend @Gwenda! Please join us for the Girl on a Wire launch party, Sat., Oct. 4 at 5:30 pm. pic.twitter.com/gEz7G98ZkW

— Morris Book Shop (@morrisbookshop) October 1, 2014

 

And I think the best convincing comes from readers, so I'll leave you with this:

This is one of my fave reader reviews so far and a nice one to wake up to on release day. #GirlonaWireDay pic.twitter.com/Jv704Ll3jz

— Ghostly Gwenda BOOnd (@Gwenda) October 1, 2014

Ack! A Few Quick Things

Hello, my lovelies! I'm officially in that pre-launch state where life stuff and book stuff and future book stuff and et ceteras are combining into what can only be a state of madness. (Hopefully the divine variety.) There is not enough time in the day, but somehow, magically, the next week will be lived through and everything will get done.

A few little things:

Are you in the Lexington area? Then come out to the Girl on a Wire launch party -- this isn't just going to be any old launch -- the details, which were just confirmed and I did a little dance:

Oct. 4 at 5:30 p.m.: Girl on a Wire launch party--circus-themed, of course--at Morris Book Shop in Lexington, KY. "Join us as we celebrate Gwenda's success with Hors d'oeuvres, drinks and surprise appearances." Come early! Because the surprise is that the Tinderbox Circus Sideshow will be performing (!!!) before I kick off the official portion of the evening, and sticking around to perform later while I sign books. And there will be cake and festiveness!

That's right -- fancy circus cake, sideshow performers, books for sale. It should be a memorable time, and fun for all . . . just like the circus itself.

And, by the way, my heartfelt thanks to those of you who've already read the book, and who've reached out to let me know and/or reviewed the book. Word-spreading is appreciated as always if you enjoy it, especially as we enter officially-out-time. Your support, no matter what form it comes in, is always noted. I'm particularly glad so many of you are digging this one. <3

Meanwhile! A few other exciting things:

• The YA Scavenger Hunt is coming next week, timed conveniently with Girl on a Wire's launch. I'm on Team Blue and I'll be giving away another one of those schmancy Paperwhites here on the site and a signed hardcover too. There will be SIX teams. So you don't want to miss this one, YA fans.
• I'm super-excited to be going to Winter Institute in Asheville in February. (Also, I just got a new phone, and YES, ordered a custom case with my Lois cover, because OF COURSE I DID. ;-)

Speaking of giveaways:

• There are 20 copies of Girl on a Wire up for grabs at Goodreads, ending on the last day of the month.
• There are two advance reader copies of Lois Lane: Fallout up for grabs at Goodreads too, also ending on the last day of the month (neurotic writer syndrome requires me to tell you that there will be some changes because I'm doing last edits now, but sneak peeks are still fun).

And I think that's it for now. *falls over* More soooooon.

Passing By

Deadlines swarming, needs-to-finish massing, promo squall on the horizon, etc. But quote-y picture-y thing the second from Girl on a Wire:

The road scene is Indiana, of course.

Available in e-book now, in all formats Oct. 1. I just got author copies and they are so. beautiful.

Previously: quote the first.

 

Pretty Picture + Newslettered

I'll be sharing some images that inspired and quotes from Girl on a Wire for the next few weeks. Here's the first one:

This is Jules on her hero, Bird Millman, pictured right. (Also at Tumblr, so reblog if you like, or share wherever takes your fancy.) And, of course, the book's out now in e-book, in other formats October 1.

I also commited newsletterdom over the weekend, which you can read here.

Miscellany + Local Event

A few more Lois-y things:

• From Alison Flood at the Guardian (!) (complete with Margot Kidder pic, which made me happy--my first Lois, and still a great one);
• Erin Keane of WFPL talks about the Lois book and says nice things about my others (Ky. represent!);
• Some Waiting on Wednesdays from today that rightly give the cover some love-- Books, Bones & Buffy and Mostly YA Lit, plus you can vote for it in a cover battle at the Sirenic Codex. Switch Press did a beyootiful job with it; the cover deities have smiled upon me once again:
  
  
  
• DragonCon was a blast. Saw many friends and met many excellent readers, and all the panels I was on and went to were great. Kudos in particular to the team that put the YA Lit track together. I also met quite a few Lois fans there and I put up some photos on Instagram, including a Super-backpack I covet, a building where Jules does a walk in the circus book, and Leigh Bardugo and I being (charmingly? hopefully) disruptive in a Harry Potter panel that was a little too harsh on Snape:

  "@LBardugo: .@Gwenda a Slytherin's work is never done" We can't behave. Send help.

  — Gwenda Bond (@Gwenda) August 29, 2014

Hmm, what else? I have an event this weekend at the Woodford County Library. These are always fun, not least because our PENS ARE ON FIRE (not really, that would be dangerous). The details:

• Pens on Fire - Young Adult Authors: Come hear popular Young Adult authors talk about their work, writing tips, and paths to publication. Authors include Gwenda Bond, Sarah Combs, C.C. Marks, Katie McGarry, and Heather Sunseri. Free - Sign up today! 9/6/14, 2-4pm, Main Library.

And last but not least:

You can still enter to win the fancy Paperwhite with the custom cover featuring the gorgeous Girl on a Wire cover illustrated and designed by Neil Swaab: just sign up for the newsletter or comment on that post with something you love or hate about the circus. Contest ends Friday at noon.

If you snagged the book on special, read it and like it, please consider dropping a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads or spreading the word wherever you like best. And if you haven't snagged it, well, what are you waiting for? Lee Child totally edged me down in the rankings. *wink* I kid! Feel free to wait and buy a hard copy. Or ask your library to order it. Basically: please to buy or otherwise legally procure wherever you like, read, and let me or the world know what you think. Without you lovely readers, I don't get to do this. And I like doing this.

Now it's our tenth wedding anniversary, so there must be a little celebrating, and there's another book to finish. So *poof*.

Surprise! GIRL ON A WIRE Is E-arly!

By which I mean it's a Kindle First pick this month, in advance of its official release October 1. What does that mean? Besides the fact I did some chair-dancing?

It means it's one of four books that you can read in e-book a month early, if you have a Kindle or use the Kindle app on one of your devices. Prime members can pick one free, and anyone with a Kindle or app can snag one for $1.99. It's that simple.

If your book is chosen for this program, obviously it means that more people are likely to see your book. But it also means that your editor writes something about it. And in my case, Courtney Miller wrote something so gorgeous and beautiful, I hardly feel worthy of it. It's truly been a gift to work with Courtney, Kate Chynoweth, Deborah Bass, Timoney Korbar and the whole Skyscape team, who have believed in this oddball book of mine since the start. And, of course, thanks always to my agent, Jenn Laughran, ringmaster of my career. So, do you like daredevils? Do you like feeling like the normal world is hiding secrets?

Go here to get your copy and read what Courtney wrote (or get one of the others -- I'm sure they are all fabulous!).

Don't have a Kindle? Well, this week I'll be giving away this Kindle Paperwhite the publisher had made with an awesome custom cover *and* which is pre-loaded with the book. (I'll give away a couple more later on.)

Champagne Not Included

What do you have to do to win? You can get up to two entries:

1) Sign up for my newsletter here by Friday, Sept. 5 at noon midnight. (If you're already signed up for the newsletter, you are already entered for this one.)

2) Drop a comment below with something you love (or hate -- if you're some sort of deviant!) about circuses or daredevils.

U.S. only (as Steph reminded me to clarify in the comments). And if you'd rather have the print or audio edition (why not collect the whole set? ;-), then October 1 will be here before you know it.

p.s. *waves* to any lovely people I met at DragonCon -- which was such a treat. More on that later.

ETA: Number four! Um, wow. That is a thing that happened. If you enjoy the book, I'd love it if you left a review at Amazon or Goodreads or otherwise help spread the word. <3

New Girl Reviews

I dropped these elsewhere already, but I like to keep things where they're easier to find (aka here). So! A couple of nice new reviews of Girl on a Wire that made me happy and also have a little swoon at how soon this book will be out and y'all can read it. I can't wait to find out what you think. 

Booklist Online sayeth:

"With a skillful blend of modern-day circus tales, classically ill-fated love, and mystery, Bond gives readers scenes from the wire that will make them sweat alongside Jules as she steps out with no net, and teens will thrill to Jules’ adventures as the Princess of the Air."

And Publishers Weekly:

"The circus and its theatrical characters provide a fresh, vibrant backdrop as author and PW contributor Bond (Blackwood) impressively describes a range of circus performances, while threading enticing slivers of magic and romance into her story. It’s a fascinating and enjoyable foray into circus life as seen through the eyes of an ambitious and talented performer."

Plots and plans are happening for the fall and the words "sideshow performers" may have been uttered in relation to launch party: nothing set yet, but developing.

Three Things: Clown Noses, Girls on Wires + Schedulizing

Home again, home again. With three things to report.

Thing The First:

The Virginia Highlands Festival was a complete delight; such a warm welcome from the creative writing day committee, and a series of truly fun events with fabulous writers and great, engaged audiences. Plus, I got to see the Greenman Press studio, and hang out with Karen and Charles Vess, and see the giant, gorgeous statue and fountain "Midsummer Play" that Charles designed and constructed across from the Barter Theater. It doesn't get better than that. I shared these photos elsewhere, but doing so here for kicks (and to begin the chronicle of the season of Girl on a Wire promoting).

These were my first readings from the circus book as a finished thing, and so it was a mega-relief that people seemed into it. I did the prologue for our first reading event, but for the joint workshop Charles and I did -- me reading, while he drew projected on the screen behind me -- I read from chapter eight, and Jules' first big outdoor stunt walk. The result:

 

 

(He says now after thinking more about it, he'd draw her face on, instead of heading into the relative safety of the bridge tower. But I all-but-gasped when I turned around and got a look at this, the tilt of the perspective makes me feel the nerves for her.)

And this sketch from before we started, which is totally getting framed and hung in the office:

 

 

Oh, and then there was the nice older lady who carries a stockpile of clown noses (she once toured Russia as part of a clown troupe -- with Patch Adams, apparently, so ack). She gave me, Charles, and Rita Quillen ones after our reading the first afternoon, and then helped direct the camera for a selfie, which came out a little skewed.

 

 

And yesterday I got to talk at the local library to a room packed with young writers, who asked smart questions. It was an honor and a blast to be a part of all these events.

Thing The Second:

Galleys -- e- and print -- of said circus book are limited, but if you need an early copy because you're a reviewer or a librarian, etc., then please to let me know, preferably in the next few days. I can make it happen. And for everyone else, it'll be here before you know it. Definitely before I do.

So. Soon. Where has this year gone? ACK.

Kirkus says: “The mystery is tense and nerve-wracking, and the acrobatics are gorgeously hair-raising.”

And the publisher made a teensy tweak to the shading on my name and "a novel," which gives me an excuse to post the cover again. *pets*

Thing The Third:

Here's my preliminary Dragon Con schedule (subject to change), with two panels and a reading. I hope to see a bunch of y'all there later this month.

Title: Urban Fantasy in YA
Description: We love a little magic, monsters, super powers—but rooted in the real world. What makes a compelling urban fantasy, and what are your faves?
Time: Fri 02:30 pm Location: A707 - Marriott
(Tentative Panelists: Delilah S. Dawson, Gwenda M Bond, Cinda Williams Chima, Bonnie Kunzel, Mari Mancusi)

Title: Reading: Gwenda M Bond
Time: Sat 1:00 pm Location: University - Hyatt

Title: Beyond Genre: Behind the Boom of Realistic YA Fiction
Description: The Fault is Our Stars is just the tip of the iceberg—realistic YA fiction is booming, and there’s a lot to love beyond genre.
Time: Sun 11:30 am Location: A707 - Marriott
(Tentative Panelists: Stephanie Perkins, Gwenda M Bond, Debbie Viguié, Michelle Hodkin)

And that's the three things. Now back to work!

Upcoming Events - Highlands Festival

I've been experiencing a minor swarm of deadlines since we got back from Lisbon (oh, what a gorgeous city--it was fabulous), and so scarce around these parts. But I did want to drop a post to say if you're in or around the Abingdon, Virginia, area, well, I will be too Sunday through Tuesday, Aug. 3-5, for the Virginia Highlands Festival's Creative Writing Days. You should come out to some events and say hi.

I've never been to the festival before, and I can't wait. Whee!

Here's where you can catch me there:

• Sunday, 3-4:30 p.m. - "Words and Music: Classical Music Sunday": Readings by three of the Writers’ Day participants: poet Rita Quillen and fantasy writers Charles Vess and Gwenda Bond will alternate with classical music performed by Keith Hungate, violinist, and James Spraker, pianist. (Books will be available and so will we to sign afterward.)
• Monday, 8 a.m.-5 pm. - Writers' Day (follow the link to see the full schedule of fab stuff, get locale info, and register):
  

  - 1:15-2:45 p.m. workshop with me, "How Do We Change the World?" Capturing reality can seem challenging enough, so let’s discuss some ways to approach work that departs from it. Whether you’re a beginning writer or just looking to try out something new, we’ll talk about how to get started writing fiction and fantasy stories. (This will be fun: promise.)
  
  - 3 p.m. Gwenda Bond and Charles Vess, combined workshop: Our combined workshop will be a continuation of what Charles is exploring in his previous session, “What Does That Word Look Like Anyway?” Only this time, the audience will experience Gwenda reading from one of her stories as Charles draws what he sees there.  Before and after we can discuss the effect that a vivid descriptive passage can have on the reader, and how just a few well-chosen words can pull the reader into a writer’s world and keep them wanting more. (Ed. note: How excited am I about this particular session? Charles is basically my hero, and so that's how excited.)

• Tuesday, 11 a.m.-noon - Creative Writing Youth/Teen Workshop with me, at the Washington County, Va., public library: As always, the public library wants to get readers excited about books and provide an opportunity to encourage young writers. This program is for middle and high school students, but all ages are welcome. Refreshments will be provided. (Refreshments, y'all. Just saying.)

And, yes, I'll definitely be giving a preview of Girl on a Wire (aka the circus book) in my readings. So...y'all come! If not for me, then for Charles Vess. Because HE IS AMAZING, as we all know.

More soon -- including, oh *whistles innocently* about Secret Project. SOON.

Mini-Update + Reviewed

This week is a little on the crazy side, because C is at Syc Hill and my mom is recovering from surgery in town and I am on deadline. There isn't even any time for Secret Shames (that post has some fun comments if you need ideas for truly guilty pleasure-esque things to do when the significant other is away). But the good news is this deadline means (probably) the last of revisions on Secret Project, and I'm also filling out the author questionaire for it, which all means it is closer to being revealed to you and a secret no longer. 

Yesterday was a lonnng day spent editing at the hospital while waiting to move my mom over to the rehab hospital, and then being entertained by her roommate at the new place, a woman in her eighties who reminds me of a little of Gray Gardens and a little of Maurice Sendak in prime lovable grouch mode and answers all unwanted questions with "Damned if I know" and so is clearly a genius.

Then I came home to a good surprise, in the form of a very nice first review for Girl on a Wire from the July issue of School Library Journal. Here's a little snippet:

“With a thrilling mystery, a hint of magic, and a touch of romance, Girl on a Wire takes readers into the fascinating world of circus performers. It is clear that Bond has done her research, especially with Jules’s idol, Jennadean Engleman, aka Bird Millman, a famous vaudeville tightrope and city walker.”

*beams* I just updated the buy links on its page, should you want to pre-order.

And while I'm talking reviews, a new one for Blackwood popped up on a blog maintained by UNC-Chapel Hill libraries, featuring books set in North Carolina: "Bond infuses the original legend of the Lost Colony with quite a bit of imagination. Blackwood is perfect for readers on the look-out for an intelligent young adult novel." It makes me happy to see people still discovering that book, and I'm always especially pleased when North Carolinians (and librarians!) like it.

 And I will leave you with this oldish but new to me video of the Chinese State Circus doing an incredible acrobatic version of Swan Lake (also, not really related, but I am so happy that So You Think You Can Dance is back):

 

 

(Seriously, if you haven't seen that video watch it. She goes en pointe on his shoulder!)

Now back to work.

Cover Reveal - GIRL ON A WIRE!

I'm so so SO excited to be able to show you guys the cover for GIRL ON A WIRE (aka the circus book). Please feel free to grab, share, and spread at will.

I love it beyond (I am officially a ghost, because I died of happiness when I saw it). And I hope you love it too. A giant shoutout and my thanks to the designer Neil Swaab (go look at his other amazing work) and to the fabulous team at Skyscape, especially editorial director extraordinaire Courtney Miller.

Without further ado...

About the book:

A ballerina, twirling on a wire high above the crowd. Horses, prancing like salsa dancers. Trapeze artists, flying like somersaulting falcons. And magic crackling through the air. Welcome to the Cirque American!

Sixteen-year-old Jules Maroni’s dream is to follow in her father’s footsteps as a high-wire walker. When her family is offered a prestigious role in the new Cirque American, it seems that Jules and the Amazing Maronis will finally get the spotlight they deserve. But the presence of the Flying Garcias may derail her plans. For decades, the two rival families have avoided each other as sworn enemies.

Jules ignores the drama and focuses on the wire, skyrocketing to fame as the girl in a red tutu who dances across the wire at death-defying heights. But when she discovers a peacock feather—an infamous object of bad luck—planted on her costume, Jules nearly loses her footing. She has no choice but to seek help from the unlikeliest of people: Remy Garcia, son of the Garcia clan matriarch and the best trapeze artist in the Cirque.

As more mysterious talismans believed to possess unlucky magic appear, Jules and Remy unite to find the culprit. And if they don’t figure out what’s going on soon, Jules may be the first Maroni to do the unthinkable: fall.

GIRL ON A WIRE will be out Oct. 1, 2014, in e-book, hardcover, paperback, and audio—and you can always kindly add on Goodreads or preorder now.

(A quick note on pronunciation: The American in Cirque American is pronounced "Americ-ah-n," because I wrote the book and I say so!) What do you guys think of the cover?

Monday Miscellany

I've been deep in the mines they call copyedits, where the grammar is fixed and the style sheet is set and precision is queen. This is one of my favorite parts of the publication process. Despite the terrifying part of it—that it's pretty much the last time significant changes can be made—it's also the last time someone goes through your words with the fine-tune comb designed to save you from yourself. Because, no matter how magical a book, even one you wrote yourself, feels when you hold it in your hands, and how contained at the same time, it has worlds in it. Well, at least one, hopefully, and that does not come easy or without mistakes.

Which is why editing at all its various stages is so important. Honestly, when I think about what I want from this crazy game we call pub these days, the topmost thing is the best editorial support possible for the book in question. That's the most important thing to me. And I've been fortunate in this respect.

Anyway, even though I've done some light copyediting myself, and lots and lots of proofing, this time around I learned that I can default to a "try and" construction rather than the "try to" construction, among other things. Gripping for you, I know. But while I was looking up something minor to double-check it, I fell down a rabbithole (yay, internet; I will never tire of these particular breaks in the space-time continuum) in the form of Tiny Kline's memoir, Circus Queen and Tinkerbell. And I quote the section in question:

It was 5 pm when I got back to Madison Square Garden. I missed my turn in the races, but that was okay. I was on a special job, therefore, and not subject to fine, according to the rules regarding absenteeism. My two opponents, Butch and Strawberry Red, carried on without me.

With her wire rigged up spanning Wall Street, Bird Millman, billed as 'A Fairy on a Cobweb,' opened the drive, selling the first bonds to the highest bidders while balanced on the fine metal thread as if suspended in thin air. Attired, appropriately, in a costume along military lines, she looked breathtakingly lovely in that nifty officer's uniform, a preview of the Women's Allied Air Command of twenty-five years hence.

Bird is my heroine's idol, and there are lots of photos of her doing astounding things I've been able to get my grubby eyes on. Even one video I've found (don't worry: plenty of time for that when the book's closer to coming out). But I can't seem to find a photo from this particular appearance to sell war bonds,* and I so wish I could. But this is almost as good. A photo, of a different kind.

Back later this week with an entry. Swearsies. (You can always pre-order the circus book, if you feel so inclined.)

*If you know of one, please send or link below, because I'd love to see it.

New Book Deal! The Circus Book Finds A Home!

So, I'm delighted to share this news, from today's PW Children's Bookshelf:

 

This is the book I finished the first draft (well, the first draft of the second draft, natch) on New Year's day--fitting, because while there will be plenty of time to detail the combination of swirling things that became Girl on a Wire, I know precisely when the first inkling of it arrived...over New Year's 2011. (When I'm asked where I got this idea, I can say from The Flu and it will be somewhat true.)

Anyway, I'm really proud of this book, and I hope you'll all love it. It comes from many of my obsessions--the circus, high wire walking, girl daredevils, classic screwball comedies, multi-generational family mysteries: if any of those are things you like, well, you're in luck. (It's set in the here and now, by the way. Though I hope it's infused with lots of history.)

I must give many, many thanks to the 2012 Bat Cave workshoppers, who gave me such great advice on the first draft--especially to Laurel Snyder and Beth Revis, who read the whole messy thing and helped me figure out what was working and what wasn't. And, of course, massive thanks to my fabulous, best agent on earth Jennifer Laughran, and to Larry Kirshbaum, Tim Ditlow and their team at Amazon Children's for truly getting the book and being so very enthusiastic about it. You left me with no doubt that this is, simply, the book's best possible home. I'm excited to work with you on it.

(On a different note: I just want to make clear that I will always support independent bookstores. I hope some of you--my dear friends at fabulous indies--will consider stocking the book when it comes out next year. But if not, then we will work together on other things and I will tell people to come in and order it from you anyway. There is room for everyone in this literary future, that I believe.)

And now! A photo of Jules'--the main character's--hero, Bird Millman, over New York City:

 

I truly can't wait for you all to be able to read this one. Yay!